05/23/2010 - Tribute Bands or.. you can't get tickets to the real band so go see these guys...they're just like the real thing at 1/10th the price!
I came across a "tribute" band today while on the net. At first blush quite frankly I thought I was looking at the actual band they pay homage to. Then upon closer inspection realized it was a "tribute" band. Now let me say at the onset here that there is a lot of really great music out there and I love hearing a good cover of one of my favorite classic songs...I really do. When I first learned to play guitar I played "other people's" songs. Of course I did...that's part of the learning process...practice something that you know well. And there is a certain satisfaction in playing a song you love note for note.
But to take it to the extent that a band would spend the time and money that it would take to completely copy in every detail down to wardrobe an existing band strikes me as odd. To practice licks for hours and hours to get them down to a "T" instead of creating their own art is sad commentary on what they think of their own ability and creativity. If they're that good (and some of them are!) I would love to hear what these bands can write on their own. I have a feeling that if they took a break from being the "ultimate fan" and started to be "fellow musicians" they might accomplish two things. 1. A feeling that they truly contributed to the art form they love so much and 2: They may write the next "classic" hit that will be remembered and played by other new bands (until the new bands start writing their own songs). Once again, I'm not talking about doing a cover. There are excellent cover bands out there and they do great sets. What I'm talking about here is completely duplicating another artist's "life". Music, looks, clothes, mannerisms, band members, poses in photographs, public behavior...all of it. Remember, we all laugh at Elvis impersonators. And why do we laugh? Because deep down we all know there's only one king.
But to take it to the extent that a band would spend the time and money that it would take to completely copy in every detail down to wardrobe an existing band strikes me as odd. To practice licks for hours and hours to get them down to a "T" instead of creating their own art is sad commentary on what they think of their own ability and creativity. If they're that good (and some of them are!) I would love to hear what these bands can write on their own. I have a feeling that if they took a break from being the "ultimate fan" and started to be "fellow musicians" they might accomplish two things. 1. A feeling that they truly contributed to the art form they love so much and 2: They may write the next "classic" hit that will be remembered and played by other new bands (until the new bands start writing their own songs). Once again, I'm not talking about doing a cover. There are excellent cover bands out there and they do great sets. What I'm talking about here is completely duplicating another artist's "life". Music, looks, clothes, mannerisms, band members, poses in photographs, public behavior...all of it. Remember, we all laugh at Elvis impersonators. And why do we laugh? Because deep down we all know there's only one king.
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